Smallholders with land of 5 ha or less, within immediate proximity (within 20 km) to Lake Victoria are currently experiencing the greatest levels of food insecurity in Mara.  This is mainly related to the high levels of the soil erosion in association to deforestation, infertility and cassava mosaic pests.

 The communities over 2km from the lake are reliant upon sporadic water supplies, and thus lack of access to water is also a major contributor to crop failure.

Foundation HELP is working  on a study in this area of Mara to assess the greatest areas of need, and implementing regular training workshops to educate farmers on modern sustainable and efficient methods of agricultural production and reforestation.  Of particular interest are the use of natural pesticides, manure, organic farming methods, livestock development and drought/pest resistant seeds.

Reforestation in the areas facing the highest levels of soil erosion will be undertaken in partnership between local community and non government organizations.  Potential for implementing water irrigation systems is being assessed in collaboration between the government and other organizations working in the community. 

There is high structural violence prevalent in Tanzania which in turn undermines peace and stability. This exists in terms of:

• poverty

• hunger

• environmental degradation

• unequal distribution of resources which is widening the gap between the rich and the poor

• corruption

• unemployment

• ignorance

• lack of equality between men and women

• early marriage to girls,

• education inequalities

• child labor, street children and so on...

Foundation HELP provides education at community level to create awareness, sensitization, and the need for action by the community to address these issues.

Foundation HELP also helps address the problem of small arms and light weapons proliferation in the Lake Victoria area and is developing strategies for local action that are in line with the Tanzanian National Action Plan.   Specific activities include:

• collaboration with the government to develop strategies to control and monitor the ownership purpose and use of arms in the community.

• field based research on the use of arms, community perception of threats posed by small arms, and security in the local area

• participatory discussion groups and workshops in local communities to raise awareness on the threats posed from the use of small arms.

• Developing a community forum for the control of small arms strategy

• development and advocacy

• use of radio and public events, theatrical performances for advocacy and awareness raising.

The aim of this intervention is to assist communities to prevent  land degradation as well as obtain optimum returns from their land.  It is done through training in land husbandry, preservation of natural forests, and provision of tree seedlings, prevention of pollution, solid and liquid waste management, River basin management, wildlife and biodiversity conservation., etc.

This intervention is aimed at balance among genders in development activities.

This is done through:

• child sponsorship

• income generation activities

• deliberate effort to improve women's condition by ensuring gender balance during recruitment

• advocacy for women and children 's rights

• gender awareness workshops

• children's conferences and youth programs  

Foundation HELP is working to implement a combined support center and dispensary in Mara.  It will offer:

• natural drugs to cater for general health needs

• advice and support for people who misuse drugs

• counseling for those living with the effects of AIDS

• family planning advice for young women

• advice on precautions to take against the spread of STDs/STIs.

The center will be for the use primarily of young people and women aged between the ages of 18-25.